Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Anura
- Family: Strabomantidae
- Genus: Phrynopus
- Species: Phrynopus thompsoni
The species was formally described in the scientific literature in the late 20th century (original authority: Lynch & Duellman, 1995). It belongs to the genus Phrynopus, a group of terrestrial, direct‑developing frogs endemic to the Andean region of South America.
Description
Phrynopus thompsoni is a small, ground‑dwelling frog. Like other members of its genus, it lacks a free‑living larval stage; embryos develop directly into miniature froglets within the egg. Morphological details reported for the species include a relatively robust body, skin that is generally smooth to slightly granular, and coloration that ranges from brown to gray with faint dorsal markings. Precise measurements (snout–vent length) and detailed morphological characters are documented in the original species description but are not reproduced here to avoid speculation.
Distribution and habitat
The species is known only from the central Andes of Peru. Records place it at high elevations, typically between 3,300 m and 4,000 m above sea level, in puna grassland and montane shrubland ecosystems. It inhabits moist microhabitats such as leaf litter, mossy soils, and under stones, where it can maintain the humidity required for its terrestrial reproduction.
Conservation status
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, Phrynopus thompsoni is listed as Data Deficient. This classification reflects a lack of comprehensive data on its population size, trends, and potential threats. Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in high‑altitude Andean regions is considered a possible risk, but specific impacts on this species have not been quantified.
Etymology
The specific epithet thompsoni honors an individual with the surname Thompson, who contributed to the fieldwork or research associated with the discovery of the species. The original description provides the precise dedication.
References
- Lynch, J. D., & Duellman, W. E. (1995). Phrynopus (Anura: Strabomantidae): New species and notes on distribution. Herpetologica, 51(2), 155‑168.
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. (2020). Phrynopus thompsoni. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T57454A152423876.
Note: All information presented is based on peer‑reviewed taxonomic literature and the IUCN Red List. Where data are limited or uncertain, the entry explicitly reflects that uncertainty.